Springfield school year extended due to snow days

The Republican file photo | Mark M. MurraySnow plows, these on Home Street, in Springfield have been a common sight with so many snowstorms this winter. The School Committee has approved extending the school year to make up for snow cancellations.

SPRINGFIELD – The School Committee has approved extending the school year two more days to make up for snow cancellations, moving the last day of classes to June 21.

Under a new schedule approved by the committee Thursday night, Dryden will go two extra days through June 23, while Milton Bradley and Warner will remain open one extra day through June 22.

Superintendent Alan J. Ingram recommended extending the school schedule as the way to guarantee the district complies with the state-mandated 180 day minimum.

Other options included holding classes on Saturdays or during the April vacation, but extending the schedule in June was by far the most popular in a survey of 3,419 people conducted last month on the department’s website, Ingram said.

Noting that some other districts would be required to extend schedules for up a week due to snow days, Ingram praised his staff, including Assistant Superintendent Daniel J. Warwick, for keeping missed days to a minimum.

Heavy snow in January forced seven days of school cancellations, but five bad weather days are built into the schedule, making only two extra days necessary.

Still, Ingram noted that another large storm could prompt further schedule changes, a possibility that made Mayor Domenic J. Sarno groan.

Since January, the city has been forced to spend as much as $1 million to clear snow from numerous school roofs across Springfield. The combination of heavy snow and flat roofs made schools especially vulnerable to structural damage.

School committee member Antonette E. Pepe also asked the School Department to put more pressure on homeowners and merchants who fail to clear sidewalks, forcing students to walk in the street on the way to school.